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Ivey appoints Mendheim to Supreme Court vacancy

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Brad Mendheim to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by the election of Tom Parker to Chief Justice.

The Governor’s Office confirmed the appointment to Alabama Daily News Thursday evening. It is effective January 15, when new justices are sworn into office.

Both Mendheim and Parker are currently Associate Justices on the Alabama Supreme Court. In November, Parker defeated Democratic nominee Bob Vance to win the Chief Justice seat, while Mendheim fell short in a primary runoff to Justice-elect Sarah Stewart.

Ivey said the Dothan native was the “clearly the most qualified” for the job and to continue his service on the court.

“After reviewing all of those interested in the position, Justice Mendheim is clearly the most qualified, with impeccable legal credentials and with unquestioned character and integrity,” Ivey said.

“With more than 17 years of judicial experience, Justice Mendheim brings the experience of having served on the Alabama Supreme Court. Every applicant was given appropriate consideration, but Justice Mendheim exceeded them all. I appreciate his previous service to the state of Alabama and know that in this continuing opportunity he will again follow the law and serve with honor.”

It is the second time Ivey has appointed Mendheim to the high court. In January, Mendheim was appointed to fill the vacated by Associate Justice Glen Murdock, who stepped down.

Mendheim said he was “humbled” by the confidence Ivey has in him to make the appointment.

“Serving on the Alabama Supreme Court has been the greatest professional honor of my life, and I look forward to re-joining Justice Parker and my other colleagues on the court in January,” he said.

“Most importantly, I am thankful for the continued support of family and friends across the state.”

The seat Mendheim is assuming will be up for election in 2020. Under Alabama law, those appointed to the Supreme Court must run in the next scheduled general election one year after taking office.

Barring any other changes, the Alabama Supreme Court will be made up of the following justices beginning on January 15, 2019: